Humanity faces epoch-making challenges arising from the convergence of demographic, social, economic, ecological and political megatrends, which are additionally superimposed by the fatal COVID-19 pandemic and the new Cold War. Traditional economic thought is not able to cope with them. In the conditions of irreversible globalization, these challenges are met by the original concept of a new pragmatism – a peculiar interface between economic theory and practical economic policy for sustainable development. Grzegorz W. Kolodko, an outstanding economist with a world-wide reputation, a public intellectual, successful politician and a globetrotter who has explored the world – clearly writes what is happening in the economy and why, on its links with society and politics, environment, security, culture and technology. The work devotes due attention to the rise of China and the consequences of its global expansion. The unique interdisciplinary approach to the issues discussed makes this book a fascinating read for all professionals interested in the future of a rapidly changing world.

This creative re-imagining of John Bunyan's Christian classic "The Pilgrim's Progress" follows young Kadin on his journey to the Celestial City, as his faith is both challenged and strengthened along the way.

Christian’sQuest is a fresh retelling of the classic allegory, Little Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian is on an epic quest from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. The road is long and difficult, and many interesting characters show up along the way. Some of his companions help Christian and encourage him in his quest, while others try to point him back to the City of Destruction. Will Christian make it to the Celestial City? Join Christian in this adventure-filled quest to find out… Christian’s Quest comes loaded with helpful features: discussion questions, an appendix of unfamiliar words, an allegorical key, and realistic black and white ink illustrations throughout. These tools ensure that each person joining Christian in his quest will have all he or she needs to understand the story behind the story —the Gospel message in all of its relevance to our everyday lives.

What happens to "orphan" diseases that aren't big enough profit centers for the pharmaceutical industry or get caught in the web of government funding and academic research? Augie Nieto found out in the spring of 2005: At forty-seven years old he was diagnosed with ALS. Devastated, Augie struggled with depression and attempted suicide. When he awoke from a coma, with friends and family surrounding him, his sense of faith and mission were renewed. Fast-forward one year: Augie and his wife, Lynne, were profiled as "Real Heroes" on the Today show. Their determination to beat the disease had already led to major overhauls in the way ALS research was conducted. In partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Augie had set up a foundation and lab to coordinate and oversee ALS research and testing across the globe. By centralizing operations and championing an entrepreneurial approach to medical research, Augie and his team accomplished remarkable results in less than two years. Part inspiration, part business innovation, Augie's Quest illustrates how one person can make a meaningful difference. Praise for Augie Nieto: George H. W. Bush, former U.S. president: "Your contributions to the fitness industry are well known, and your dedication an inspiration." Lance Armstrong, seven-time "Le Tour de France" champion: "I think it says a lot about Augie, the fact that everybody came together regardless of whether or not it's for competing gyms or competing companies that make equipment. They all say, this is one of our own; this is a guy who's committed his life to our industry and has been dealt a serious blow. We're going to be there for him, we're going to say, we're here for you and we're part of the Quest." Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California: "Your success has been incredible. But you are so much more than just a successful businessman. You are the greatest husband, a great father, and a terrific friend. So,

Quest for Exceptional Leadership: Mirage to Reality outlines the emergence of a new fifth phase of human enterprise that is redefining the criteria of success as well as re-configuring the routes to success. The author analyses the changing paradigms and provides a down-to-earth, realistic blueprint to acquire the relevant leadership traits. Corporations do not have the option to wait; they have to re-align themselves with the new reality – now. The author makes a compelling case that those who embrace the new realism will achieve sustained profitability for their companies and ‘Triple Top Line’ of joy, peace, and contentment in their personal lives.

Unlock progress through doubt and uncertainty The biggest threat facing modern business is the sheer complexity of an uncertain future. That, and the fact that everyone is busy. Too busy for progress. Workplace cultures have become cursed with efficiency. And so when it comes to developing strategy, we default to our defaults.We favour quick fixes, easy templates and familiar approaches, developing ‘robust plans' that do little to mitigate strategic risk or generate new value. The result? The future comes, and businesses die. But no longer! *cue trumpets* How to Lead a Quest is a book for pioneering leaders - folks who know that enterprise strategy is far too important to condemn to ‘smart goals', 'a clear vision for the future' and other such rubbish. Within this book, you'll discover how to: liberate enterprise leadership and workplace cultures from the curse of efficiency, default thinking and the delusion of progress explore complex and uncertain futures to find profound insights that mitigate strategic risks and ensure your business model remains viable create new value and enduring relevance by pioneering into unchartered and unprecedented territory embed new structures and rituals into your enterprise to build for the future, while still delivering operational excellence today. Not for the faint of heart or short-of-wit, this uniquely refreshing book bravely tackles the paradox that is pioneering leadership. You'll discover how to lead meaningful progress - even if you don't know what the goal or destination looks like.

Some have suggested that the turmoil in the eurozone "proves" the deficiencies in the welfare state. This book argues that the superior performance of the Scandinavian countries arises from their superior systems of social protection, which allow their citizens to undertake greater risk and more actively participate in globalization. Others suggest that we can address terrorism or transnational crimes through the strengthening of borders or long distance wars. This book develops the proposition that such approaches have the opposite effect and that only through spreading the kind of human security experienced in well-ordered societies can these dangers be managed. This book also examines how these global changes play out not only in the relations among countries and the management of globalization but at every level of our society--